20th Century African American Resources

Military Service

Wilber A. Page
Born in Cincinnati in 1895, Wilber A. Page served in France during World War I with the 317th Army Engineers. Soon after returning to Cincinnati, he was asked to serve as the pastor of Union Baptist Church, a position he would hold for 66 years. In 1979 Page was named one of the "Great Living Cincinnatians." More information

Evva Friason Turpeau Collection
This photograph collection consists of one box of photographs mostly of the USO that operated out of the Ninth Street YMCA. The photos show various USO activities, such as dances, picnics, and the preparation of “care” packages. Included are photos of some African American servicemen from the Cincinnati area who served in World War II. There are also photos of Evva Turpeau’s father, Lawrence Turpeau, who was the first African American superintendent for the Post Office in Cincinnati. More information

Penn Zeigler
Penn Zeigler was born in Virginia around 1897 and served in the U.S. Army during World War I. Later, he became president of Major Federal Savings and Loan, the first Black savings and loan in Cincinnati. He served as mayor of Lincoln Heights from 1967 to 1971. More information